What Is Personal Branding Photography (And Why It’s So Much More Than Headshots)

First, let’s talk about headshots.

I know you came here to read about personal branding photography, but before we dive in, it’s worth touching on the good old-fashioned headshot. I’m not going to bore you with the technical stuff, instead, I’ll tell you this…a headshot is that one good photo you use everywhere…your website bio, your LinkedIn, maybe even your mom’s Facebook post bragging about you. It’s your digital handshake, the first impression that says, “Hey, I’m a professional and I exist in good lighting.”

But here’s the thing: a headshot isn’t your whole story.

It’s a single frame, not the movie. It doesn’t show your personality, what it’s like to work with you, or the energy you bring to your business. That’s where personal branding photography comes in, it goes beyond the business card smile and shows the real you, the one people actually want to connect with. Because let’s face it, in today’s world, YOU matter more than you could possibly imagine.

True Story…

 There is an artist on YouTube that I have been following for years. I mean YEARS. I’ve learned so much from her in terms of painting and drawing techniques, but I unfortunately did not like her style of art. It just wasn’t my thing. But I LOVED her style of teaching. I love the fact that she had a cockatoo that she occasionally had in her live stream videos. I love that she was fascinated with aquariums and how she often spoke about health issues she was facing. Now, if she were to ever sell one of her paintings, I would ABSOLUTELY purchase one of hers and proudly hang it on my wall. But why? Why would I hang something in my home that I don’t even find visually appealing? Because every time I’d look at that painting, I wouldn’t just see the art itself, I’d see her. The artist who’s taught me for years, who’s funny, personable, and genuinely passionate about what she does.

If I were her photographer, I wouldn’t just take pictures of her holding a paintbrush or posing beside a finished canvas. I’d photograph her world!  I’d capture her mid lesson, hands covered in paint, explaining something with that spark in her eyes. I’d include her cockatoo of course, maybe sitting on her shoulder or causing harmless chaos in the background, because that’s part of who she is. I’d use the soft glow of her aquariums as lighting, letting those reflections dance across her face while she sketches. Her home studio is cozy, calm, and beautifully organized,  the kind of space that feels like it belongs to someone who’s built a life around creativity and care. That’s what I’d want to show…the artist, the teacher, the human being behind the art.

So here’s the truth:

Personal Branding Photography isn’t about vanity or pretending to have it all together. It’s about connection. It’s about giving people a glimpse of who you are, the real you, the one who laughs, teaches, dreams, and shows up every day to do what you love.

When someone connects with your story, they remember you. They remember how you made them feel, not just how you looked.

That’s what personal branding photography is all about.
It’s not just a picture. It’s a reflection of your purpose, your energy, and the mark you’re leaving on the world.

If this is your first time here, welcome! On My Website you’ll find everything from professional headshots to luxury portrait experiences, all here to help you feel confident in front of the camera and walk away with photos that look and feel like YOU!

If you want to dive deeper into this, check out my post on 5 Ways You Can Use Photographs to Tell Your Brand Story

And if you’re curious about how this all ties into consumer behavior, Forbes said it best in their article, “Consumers Aren’t Just Buying Products. They Are Investing In Values.”